If you are an overseas players considering playing rugby in the Ontario league the Markham Irish Canadian Rugby Club would welcome you for part or all of the season. The rugby season in Ontario starts in May and ends in November.

Please note that all players must be registered to play with the Markham Irish in the Ontario league. In addition, overseas players must have travel health insurance that covers them to play rugby while in Canada. A copy of your policy must be included when your registration is submitted to Rugby Ontario. Information on registration costs can be obtained from our membership director, Doug Robinson (click here to email)

Coming to Canada

Players aged 18 to 35 from particular countries can come to Canada under three categories as part of the International Youth Programs. These are Working Holiday, Young Professional / Young Worker, and International Co-operative Education (click here for more information). Countries included under this program are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Chile, The Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom (for specific programs for each country click here). More general information on immigrating to Canada is available on the Citizenship and Immigration website

Accommodation

Players coming to Toronto over the summer may be able to find affordable accommodation through the student residences at the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, or the Neill-Wycik Student Co-op and Hotel. Those players looking to rent apartments may want to look at viewit.ca or Craig's List for information on likely rental prices per month for different areas of Toronto. We can offer suggestions on locations, in general, anywhere with close access to the subway works well.

Work

Although the Markham Irish Canadian Rugby Club will attempt to help you find work after arrival in Canada, we cannot promise that work will be available. Information on work options (wages, availability) can be found on Monster.ca, Workopolis and Craig's List.

Players wanting more information on playing for the Markham Irish can contact Club President Pat Hodgins at President@MarkhamIrishRugby.com